While you may need to hire a plumber under the best of circumstances, you can take proactive measures to make sure that your drains stay free of clogs. After all, many plumbing calls are to clear out clogged pipes that could have been kept clear with a few simple steps. Although none of these tips will help you in an emergency, follow this advice proactively to keep your drains clear of clogs (and perhaps prevent a visit from the plumber):

Think about how you dispose of garbage

Some things should never go down the drain. Many, many kitchen sinks are clogged from common food items. Grease, coffee grounds and other food items are common culprits of clogged drains in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you dispose of these items properly:

If you’re cooking with grease, let it solidify in the pan after you’re done cooking. Scrape it into the garbage can afterwards. Try wiping out the pan with a paper towel post-scrape to ensure that you get all that grease. Don’t want to wait? Pour the liquid grease into an old can, then throw it away after the dishes are done.

Coffee grounds should always go into the garbage. If you’d rather make an eco-friendly choice, coffee grounds are an excellent addition to a mulch pile or compost area. Never put them down the drain.

Other bits of food that end up in the sink should get caught by a strainer or pulled out before they go down the drain. If you have a garbage disposal, this may not be such a big deal, but if the food is on the other side, catch it before it goes down. Small bits of food may stick to grease in your pipes and cause a clog.

Strainers don’t have to be a struggle

One of the simplest ways you can prevent clogs in the kitchen and bathroom is to use a sink strainer. These simple items prevent objects from going down the drain and clogging it. For the kitchen, a larger-holed strainer will likely do the trick. Consider a combination strainer and plug to make doing the dishes even easier. In the bathroom, think about getting a finer mesh strainer to keep the drain hair and soap scum free.

Rinse your pipes to further prevent clogs

You don’t need to use chemical cleaners to help your pipes stay clog-free. Try running hot water down them occasionally to help any grease that’s in them liquify. If you’re so inclined, you could even boil some water to flush your pipes out. While it’s not a total fix for an already clogged drain, it can help maintain clog-free drains.

Preventing a clog doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little prevention, you’ll be able to keep your pipes clear and free. Before you spend hours unclogging your drain and calling a plumbing professional, try stopping these issues in the first place with these tips.